Whether it’s holding a range of events or empowering volunteers of all ages, community businesses continuously go the extra mile to foster safe and welcoming environments
Community connection is at the heart of what community businesses are all about; they create safe, welcoming spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued. By providing more than their traditional services, they act as community hubs that offer opportunities for people to come together and discuss their everyday struggles.
Community businesses offer a wide range of services and amenities that are particularly valuable in areas of market failure. In rural areas with poor public transport, these businesses can be vital amenities for residents, transforming lives for those on low incomes, with disabilities, or restrictive commitments. They help isolated individuals remain connected and feel included in their communities.
Despite the challenges posed by the cost of living crisis, the community business network remains committed to providing essential services. Plunkett supports communities across the UK to set up and run community businesses, and is proud of their success rate, which sits at 99% over five years and 94% over twenty years.
In the examples below, read about how Cwmdu Inn in Carmarthenshire and Alhampton Community Pub in Somerset demonstrate excellent ways of connecting their communities.
Cwmdu Shop, Pub, and Post Office is a shining example of a community business run by the community, for the community. Recognised by winning the Connecting the Community Award at the Rural Community Business Awards in 2024, this team of four part-time staff and a vibrant network of volunteers truly deserved the accolade. From Gwen, a school leaver building confidence during her holidays, to retirees learning new skills in the post office, everyone finds a place to contribute.
This multi-purpose hub embodies the spirit of inclusion, offering roles for everyone, regardless of their skills or interests. This sense of belonging is celebrated at events like the volunteer thank-you evening, where 65 locals enjoyed a curry, quirky awards, and a lively disco. The Inn also hosts regular groups, from knitting circles to vintage machinery enthusiasts, providing a safe, welcoming space for people to connect.
Accessibility is a priority, with meetings scheduled at different times and spaces chosen to accommodate all needs. The shop even offers a delivery service for those unable to visit, often sparking new friendships over a cuppa. Events are always free to attend, thanks to fundraising and local sponsorship, ensuring everyone can feel included without worrying about cost.
The annual Beer Festival is a highlight, drawing over 400 visitors and powered by more than 60 volunteers. It showcases local talent, supports the school and village hall, and brings the whole community together. Whether through private hires, charity events, or the creation of a community quilt, Cwmdu’s community business is a model of connection, resilience, and shared purpose, proving that when everyone has a stake, everyone belongs.
The Annual Beer Festival!
At the heart of the small Somerset village of Alhampton lies a community pub that exemplifies how a shared space can bring people together in meaningful and lasting ways. The Alhampton Inn, known as “The Ally”, is more than just a pub; it’s a vibrant hub where every detail, from the fresh flowers on the tables to the themed artwork on the walls, reflects the care and creativity of local volunteers.
The pub’s inclusive spirit is evident in its wide range of activities: from folk nights and French conversation groups to book clubs, quiz nights, and Sunday roasts. Volunteers manage everything from health and safety to marketing, while the pub supports local causes and events like Apple Day and the Great Global Greyhound Walk.
With affordable food, accessible spaces, and a welcoming atmosphere, the Ally has become a place where people feel safe, seen, and connected. The pub received recognition with the 2024 Prince of Wales Award of Honour, a testament to the village’s collective effort and the transformative power of community ownership. In Alhampton, the pub isn’t just a building; it’s a living, breathing example of what happens when a community comes together with pride and a shared vision.
Prize giving at the Prince of Wales Award of Honour
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Plunkett UK answers enquiries every day from people across the country who are exploring the idea of setting up a community business, as well as existing businesses that require additional support.
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